A FOREVER HOME: Four months after her mysterious abandonment on the steps of a local church, an infant nicknamed Baby Doe was about to meet her forever family.

“We are ready to place Baby Doe in a home,” said Health and Rehabilitative Services Administrator Mark Geisler. “She’s going to have a real name soon.”

The healthy, brown-haired baby was discovered July 5, 1983, on the steps of St. Leo Catholic Church. Estimated to be only a few weeks old, the baby was taken to an emergency shelter and later a foster family, while investigators tried to piece together her story. Agent Robert Pack of the Lee County Sheriff’s Office said no pertinent leads ever surfaced in the investigation. Pack said he doubted whether the mystery surrounding the baby would ever be solved.

GROWTH ISSUES: Infrastructure was the topic on the minds of Bonitans who met with District 3 Lee County Commissioner Roland Q. “Ro” Roberts at the Old 41 Community Hall. Among the subjects discussed during the monthly “rap session” were a sewer system, the need for upgraded roads and funding sources for needed services.

“There will be much debating before this is firmed up into any one direction or another,” Roberts said of the possibility of a sewer system for Bonita Springs, adding that he would fight the idea until it was absolutely necessary because so many Bonitans were opposed to a sewer system. While discussing the need for more east-west roads in the community, Roberts confirmed his support of a bridge linking the Bonita causeway to Coconut Road. He said he would favor a toll facility if the bridge were built. “That way the people who take advantage of these facilities are the ones who pay for them,” he concluded.

VETERANS’ CEREMONY: Undaunted by ominous skies, a solemn crowd gathered to pay homage to those who gave their lives for their country.

“We’re here because we love America,” said Dr. Charlie Lewis during the invocation at the Bonita Springs Cemetery. Guest speaker retired U.S. Army Col. William T. Hornaday told the group he had lived through three wars and prayed that a day would come when mankind would not have to face the terror of war. “How many veterans are resting in this tranquil place?” Hornaday mused.

REAL ESTATE: Glazier Real Estate & Building was offering “Bonita Springs’ Best Housing Value,” a two-bedroom home starting at $29,900. The company was also advertising an enchanting home on the river with three bedrooms, three baths, access to a waterfront recreation area and a boat ramp, for $262,900. Russ Construction priced a three-bedroom two bath custom home at $99,500. Newton Associates Inc. was selling a two-bedroom, one bath cottage on a 100-foot gulf-front lot for $390,000, and a three-bedroom Mediterranean-style home on the gulf with Spanish décor and a Roman sunken bath for $365,000. Pollard & Hedrich Realtors was offering a two-bedroom Pine Haven condo for $58,900 and Downing Frye and Associates had a listing o a two-bedroom canal home near the Imperial River for $85,500.

DINING OUT: A new restaurant was coming to Bonita Beach — Mr. B’s on the Beach, offering homemade pizza with all-natural ingredients. As you might remember from a previous 30 Years Ago a while back, Mr. B’s was the predecessor of Doc’s Beach House. On Old 41, the Lemon Tree Restaurant had two-for-one specials including barbecue ribs for $7.95 and steak and shrimp for $9.95. All-you-can-eat fried chicken was available for $4.29 and friend fish dinners were $3.99. Just up the road, Buffalo Chips had a Monday Night Football special with chicken wings for 10 cents each and draft beer for 50 cents. A Saturday special included $1 wine cocktails and 50 cent hot dogs. And at Gee & Dee’s Buffet and Restaurant in Springs Plaza, breakfast was 99 cents and Sunday’s special was chicken and dumplings for $3.99.